MPs unanimously rubberstamped their approval on tougher punishments for civil aviation violations, including the death penalty in case of fatalities, during Parliament’s weekly session yesterday.

The urgent government-drafted amendments will be referred to the Shura Council.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed told Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee that amendments to the 2013 Civil Aviation Law were imperative.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation officials are set to review Bahrain’s civil aviation safety procedures in the coming days.

This comes as the new Bahrain International Airport will be officially inaugurated tomorrow.

Under the amendments, the penalty for any destruction on an aircraft or at airport facilities is between BD3,000 and BD100,000, life in jail for severe security offences and the death penalty should there be fatalities.

Trained air marshals have to be present on all flights, with a new independent investigation unit being set up for accidents and dangerous incidents during flights.

An inspections taskforce with judicial powers would also be formed to monitor rates for air travel and cargo, inspect offices of those working in the sector, and enter airport facilities and aircraft.

Civil Aviation Affairs would have the power to terminate contracts, ban or ground specific aircraft.

It would also have the power to ban any aircraft from flying over the country’s airspace, permanently or temporarily.

Offices failing to implement aviation rules could be closed and licences of authorised personnel revoked.

Such offences could be fined up to BD10,000 unless they contravene other legislations that are higher.

Those who use laser beams or computer programmes to cause disruption in an aircraft will face criminal action.

A new national committee for civil aviation is set to be formed with concerned government parties, airport companies, airliners, travel agents, and other representatives from the sector as members.

mohammed@gdn.com.bh

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